Achieving career success
Shania has taken advantage of the University’s comprehensive careers services, which include an online jobs board for graduate roles, CV advice, employability skills workshops and careers fairs on campus.
“At this year’s careers fair I spoke to the people from Ernst & Young, which really helped a lot because I was due to have an interview for an EY graduate role soon after. I feel like this played a big part in securing the role.”
A supportive mathematics community
By taking part in Southampton’s supportive mathematics community, she has become confident in applying her maths skills, securing a graduate position with a global consultancy firm.
As the course progressed, Shania gained more academic confidence. “The first year felt a bit scary because the concepts were not all familiar and it didn’t always feel like they had clicked. But during the second and third year I have applied those concepts a lot, and the more you can apply them to different things the better you are able to understand them.”
An approachable academic team and guidance from fellow students helped Shania along the way, and she’s now helping others in return.
“There’s a ton of support in the maths department. The professors are lovely and you can have honest conversations if there’s something you don’t understand. There are also workshops where third year and PhD students help first and second years. That really helped me a lot, especially if I was stuck with something on my coursework. That’s why this year I’m now a workshop helper as well.”
Making the move to a new country
Southampton was number one on Shania’s list of potential universities because it had the highest rankings, but she also liked the look of the city and campus.
“As an international student I couldn’t go to the open days, but looking at videos and pictures online it seemed more appealing than the other universities on my list. When I arrived, everything confirmed what I had thought. My friends who have visited say it’s much greener and has a nicer vibe compared to other universities. I’m very happy with my decision!
Moving abroad to study is a big step, so Shania was glad of the warm welcome she experienced when she arrived, and the ongoing support offered to Southampton students.
“In each of the halls of residence there were student ambassadors who helped you move in and you could talk to them and ask any questions. There were so many different activities on campus and that helped you make friends.
“The University helps you a lot, whether you want to ask about finances or accommodation, or support in general, it’s really nice that the support is there.”
